The Chairman of the Security and Defense Review Committee, Mr. Leopold Mills today [Sept 5] updating the public on the review thus far announced the committee is seeking public input into its work. The Committee was set up by the Governor, George Fergusson to conduct an extensive review of the Island’s security needs.

Persons who want to provide input, feedback or offer any thoughts into the review of Bermuda’s security and defence should contact the committee at 292-3515 or 292-3527, Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 2.00pm or email securityreview@gov.bm to schedule an appointment. The deadline for submissions is October 1, 2013.

Mr Mills’ complete remarks follow below:

Good morning and thank you for joining me.

This past May His Excellency the Governor George Fergusson, Premier Craig Cannonier and the Minister of Public Safety Michael Dunkley announced the formation of a Security and Defence Review Committee.

At the time the committee was announced the Premier said he would like to “reiterate the critical importance of the Bermuda Government’s desire to conduct a comprehensive review to assess our overall security needs”.

Including myself, the Committee members are former Police Commissioner and PLP Senator Jonathan Smith, former UBP and OBA MP Louise Jackson, George Jones, Ralph Richardson, and Cheryl Ann Lister.

Bermuda’s security and defence agencies include the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, HM Customs and the Department of Marine & Ports Services. Each of these agencies works well and plays a vital role in the public safety of Bermuda.

The Government’s support for this Review is based on the importance of effective internal security and strong border control to our citizens and those who visit our Island.

From its inception the Committee has been working to identify logical synergies and chart a working framework that eliminates any duplication of effort and to recommend tasks that best suit the strengths and resources of all of Bermuda’s critical agencies involved in its security and defence.

Also as part of its review the committee will consider Bermuda’s security needs post-conscription in keeping with this Government’s promise to grow the full-time component of the Bermuda Regiment.

The committee is now seeking public input into its work and will be holding a series of face to face meetings and interviews with all residents who wish to contribute to this initiative.

Persons who want to provide input, feedback or offer any thoughts into the review of Bermuda’s security and defence should contact us at 292-3515 or 292-3527, Monday to Friday from 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.

Or you can email us at securityreview@gov.bm to schedule an appointment so we can meet with you.

Deadline for the submissions is October 1, 2013.

We genuinely wish to hear from all interested residents and hope they take advantage of the opportunities provided so they can share their views.

This concludes the formal portion of my remarks this morning, and at this stage, I am happy to field any questions that you may have.